Telefónica handed incorrect data to the police for years

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Incorrect timestamp: Telefónica (O2)

Photo: Wolfgang Rattay / REUTERS

The mobile operator Telefónica (O2) has provided security authorities with incorrect data for their investigations for almost three and a half years.

The Federal Network Agency and all security authorities concerned were informed in detail about the "technical malfunction" at the beginning of December, Telefónica confirms on request.

Telecommunications providers are legally obliged, for example, to provide the police with customer data in response to a court order in order to support them in investigations.

The breakdown only affected foreign mobile numbers in its own 2G and 3G networks, said Telefónica.

In addition, only data connections were given "wrong time stamps" - SMS or telephone data were correctly transmitted.

According to Telefónica, the problem has been resolved since November 18, 2017. It was discovered by Bavarian police officers, according to a letter from the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office (LKA).

The authorities apparently take the mistake very seriously, and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has also been informed.

The incorrect information could be »relevant to the investigation or evidence«, says the LKA letter, »if a crime scene and time reference is to be established for a suspect via the traffic data.

The BKA states that "the examination of the extent to which there have been effects on ongoing or completed investigative proceedings is already underway."

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